Koo retires from international football
FCA attacking midfielder retired from international football following South Korea’s departure from the Asia Cup. This occurred after an agreement was made between Koo and the South Korean FA.
After 11 years with the South Korean national team, Ja-Cheol Koo has decided to hang up his boots for international football. The 29-year-old made 71 appearances for his nation. “I have been able to represent South Korea not only as a player but also as an icon around the world. It is a big responsibility but I am very proud of myself,” said Koo on Friday on his Instagram profile. In recent years, the South Korean has had to travel many miles in order to meet up with his international team.
Koo earns Bronze medal at the Olympics on London
Koo made his international debut as an 18-year-old on the 17th February 2008 in a 3-2 victory over China. In total, he scored 19 goals during his international career and has also captained the side. At the Asia Cup in 2011 in Qatar, he top scored with five goals as South Korea crashed out to Japan in the semi-finals. South Korea ended up coming third. He played a part in South Korea’s World Cup campaigns in 2014 (Brazil) and 2018 (Russia). His biggest success with the national team came at the London 2012 Olympics where South Korea won the Bronze medal. Due to this success, he did not have to take part in the obligatory two year military training.
“I will continue to give everything to South Korean football from Germany,” said Koo, who will now have more time to spend with his family and fully concentrate on club football. Manuel Baum is happy with the decision: “Of course it was not an easy decision for him, as he is very attached to his home nation. We are happy that he can now take a rest during the international breaks.”